Mating frenzy roils the shallows at
a goldfish farm-the first step in the
cycle that brings sixty million pets
to American aquarists annually. Mats
of Spanish moss or plastic fiber simu
late natural conditions and thus in
duce egg laying. The slimmer males
chase and bump the egg-heavy fe
males (left) until they vent their bur
den. Simultaneously, the males emit
fertilizing milt.
Fungus filaments appear as star
bursts (right) as they attack and di
gest unfertilized eggs; nearby fertile
eggs are spared. In five months, when
1'/2 to 2 inches long, the young are
ready for sale.
Those Outlandish Goldfish!
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